WHAT WE'RE READING

CNBC

Lowe’s beats Wall Street expectations against ‘challenging’ housing backdrop. Lowe’s beat Wall Street’s first-quarter earnings and revenue expectations. The company said growth in the quarter was driven in part by a strong spring execution, online sales and strength in appliances, home services and pro sales. Lowe’s reaffirmed its full-year guidance, with CEO Marvin Ellison acknowledging a “challenging housing macro.”

MAY 20, 2026

Retail Dive

Jamie Salter, who founded Authentic Brands Group in 2010 and grew it into a brand management powerhouse, has stepped down as chief executive officer of the firm. Matt Maddox, who has been president for over a year and will retain that role, has been promoted to replace him as CEO. He will take over day-to-day operations, though he will report to Salter.

MAY 19, 2026

Retail Dive

Lowe’s efforts to win over pros could save it from the home sector’s challenges. The retailer – which saw sales increase 10% in Q1 – is turning to the customer segment as DIY demand remains down.

MAY 19, 2026

Wall Street Journal

Home Depot Posts Lower Profit as Homeowners Hold Off on Large Projects. The company said net sales rose 4.8% to $41.77 billion in the first quarter

MAY 19, 2026

CNBC

Home Depot says core shopper is resilient in the face of higher gas prices, sales rise 5%. Home Depot beat Wall Street’s expectations on the top and bottom lines and reaffirmed its full-year guidance. The company said its core consumer remains “engaged” even in the face of higher gas prices and plummeting consumer confidence. Still, shoppers are cautious when it comes to larger projects.

MAY 19, 2026

Chain Store Age

Claire’s partners to expand its brand to 7,000 stores across North America

MAY 19, 2026

Bloomberg Law

Francesca’s Creditors Say Bankruptcy Designed to Favor Lenders

MAY 18, 2026

Wall Street Journal

Lululemon Urges Shareholders to Reject Chip Wilson’s Proxy Fight. Lululemon’s push comes after Wilson earlier this month escalated his proxy fight against the company

MAY 18, 2026

CNBC

Lululemon takes battle with Chip Wilson public, calls founder ‘misguided’ and ‘outdated’. Lululemon is issuing its first major public response to founder Chip Wilson in a letter to shareholders, where it laid out why its strategy, its incoming CEO Heidi O’Neill and board nominees are ultimately best for investors. Lululemon urged shareholders to vote for its three board nominees over Wilson’s, calling them “vastly superior.” Wilson has criticized Lululemon for “deprioritizing creative excellence at the altar of efficiency” and said the solution is “more proven, creative leaders” in the boardroom.

MAY 18, 2026

Chain Store Age

Study: Family Dollar closed ‘at least’ 350 stores in past 10 months – here’s where

MAY 18, 2026

Chain Store Age

At Home CEO to step down; search on for new chief

MAY 18, 2026

Bloomberg

West Marine Files Bankruptcy to Cut Debt, Close More Stores

MAY 18, 2026

Retail Dive

Target taps former Walmart exec as supply chain, logistics chief. Jeff England, who worked to improve inventory availability at QXO, will join the retailer on May 31 as it seeks to strengthen in-stock reliability.

MAY 17, 2026

Retail Dive

Michaels boosts party supplies by 60%, opens DIY bars. The crafts retailer has revamped its stores and party supply selection to capture market share left behind by Joann and Party City.

MAY 17, 2026

Retail Dive

At Home CEO to retire after leading it through bankruptcy. Chief Executive Officer Brad Weston will transition to an advisory role and the home retailer has initiated a search for his replacement.

MAY 17, 2026

Chain Store Age

First Look: The Container Store + Bed Bath & Beyond makes debut in Fort Worth

MAY 15, 2026

Women's Wear Daily

Former Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick Faces Rule 2004 Request in Retailer’s Bankruptcy. Unsecured creditors are looking for a long list of documents from Metrick, including information about the $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group.

MAY 15, 2026

Chain Store Age

Wayfair adds large-format Cincinnati store to expansion plans

MAY 15, 2026

Retail Dive

Claire’s eyes expansion to 7K retail locations. A licensing agreement with Centric Brands will scale the retailer’s presence across partners, including Walmart, Kohl’s and CVS and will push the brand into new categories.

MAY 15, 2026

Women's Wear Daily

Former Saks Global CEO Marc Metrick Faces Rule 2004 Request in Retailer’s Bankruptcy. Unsecured creditors are looking for a long list of documents from Metrick, including information about the $2.7 billion acquisition of Neiman Marcus Group.

MAY 15, 2026